Friday, November 11, 2011

I wanted to take a moment to recognize the Veterans of our armed forces. TSA employs a large number of Veterans, me included. I was in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Division from 1988 -1991 and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. I also took a little 6 month trip to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. I prefer Germany…

I served three years, but a friend of mine who joined the same time as I did, recently retired. It’s amazing how many places he’s been the last 20 years and how decked out his uniform is. He and many others have made a lot of sacrifices and we should take a few moments, especially today, to think about all of the men and women who have served or are serving our country.

There are thousands of stories to tell from many of TSA and DHS’s Veterans, but here are a few I know of that I can share with you now.

Here’s a great story/video about a TSA employee and an Iraq War Veteran who served two tours with the U.S. Air Force and is now a handler for an explosive-detection dog at Denver’s DIA airport. Qualls and Rhoden:Working to keep DIA safe

If you’d like to comment on an unrelated topic you can do so in ourOff Topic Comments post. You can also view our blog postarchives orsearch our blog to find a related topic to comment in. If you have a travel related issue or question that needs an immediate answer, you can contact a Customer Support Manager at the airport you traveled, or will be traveling through by usingTalk to TSA.

32 comments:

Anonymous
said...

I notice that many of your date related posts (like this one) get posted at the end of the work day. Have you considered having the posts ready to put up in the morning instead of at the end of the day your post is about?

Irony: An organization who stips this great nation's citizens of their liberties thanking a group of people who served to protect those liberties. As a former member of the USAF, might I suggest you thank us by giving us back our liberties?

Yes, thank you for your service. Now take off your boots and open your bag. Yes, I know you went through security when you left Qatar/Kuwait/Iraq/Some other crappy hole, but you might have gotten a weapon or some other contraband while you were on that jet to here.

True story. Left Qatar on a 767, was run thru the usual security checks before boarding. Flew to Germany to get gas but never left the secure area. Landed in Baltimore, never left the secure area and still had to take off our boots and open our bags before boarding our flight. Really? What kind of joke is that?

So save your fake sincerity and fake security. Wanna thank me? Show me probable cause for searching my person and property in accordance with the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution.

Wow - This is the first time I have ever agreed with Bob. But I am surprised that any military veterans would work for an agency that is so bent on depriving citizens of their 4th amendment rights. As a former Army Officer, I am appalled at the behavior of the TSA.

I really thought that there couldn't possibly be any objections to this post! However it never ceases to amaze me how people can twist a heart felt and respectful post like this and once again put the boot in!

I really thought that there couldn't possibly be any objections to this post! However it never ceases to amaze me how people can twist a heart felt and respectful post like this and once again put the boot in!"

Caroline,

This is NOT "a heart felt and respectful post." It is patronizing and an insult to everyone who has ever worn the uniform protecting the rights and liberties the TSA takes away at 500 airports in the United States of America every day.

The TSA puts on a big show, but they aren't very effective. The TSA security line has actually created a new target that nearly as good as an airplane.

Actually, the TSA created a better target than an airplane by introducing a non-secured massed congregation area full of soft targets into our airports. Walk-up AQ-service anyone?

I arrive at any CONUS airport a couple hours early for my flight so I can "snipe" a position in the security line when it is shortest and I am through the line the quickest just for that reason. A mass of people is a tempting target for anyone wanting to do harm. This is why markets, conventions, rallies, and sporting events are such popular IED detonation locations.

Anywhere there is a long line and large amounts of people gathered in public places is a target for attack.People wait in lines for very long times at supermarkets,concerts,stores,sporting events, etc.

I served 8 years in the Army, and when I looked back at those who never saw war, who never served, I saw many who took everything for granted. TSA screening is not a big deal. If you can afford a plane ticket, then life is good compared to the vast majority of people in the world. You probably have air conditioning, roof over your head, clean clothes, the ability to shower. A choice of what to eat if anything at all. I read many of the comments here and I am ashamed of almost all of who post comments here. Many speak of freedom, but don't fully understand what freedom truly is...and the cost associated with it. Its a good thing I don't affiliate my serving the country, with serving those who call themselves U.S. citizens. If I had things my way, there wouldn't be a need for TSA or the military, because no one would do anyone any harm. My fantasy world will never be a reality. Stop pretending we don't need invasive screening measures. Stop using the words "liberties" and "freedom" as shields to hide your truly selfish desires to basically do what you want.

Anonymous wrote, "The TSA security line has actually created a new target that nearly as good as an airplane."

I agree with TSA measures, but Anonymous makes a great point. Lines cannot be too long or a target is presented. They obviously can't be asked to screen faster without the cost of efficiency, they should increase staffing.

Bob, if you're a veteran than explain this to me. You took an oath to protect the US constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Do you somehow believe that since you are no longer in the service that you can turn your back on everything you used to believe and do?

I'm out of the service as well, but I still believe in my oath very much which is why I'm such a harsh critic of the TSA.

Its either to much security or not enough security.We cant have it both ways.Im just thankful that this country was not hit with another major attack.Were fortunate that we dont have to see terror attacks here every week like in some other countries.It dosent matter if your with the military, FBI,DHS,DOJ,state and local police.All of these people at these agencies play a role in protecting this nation.When the average American is sleep or home enjoying the holidays with family,these essential employees and military are on the job working hard to protect us all.For that I am thankful to all who protect and serve.

Anonymous said..."Stop using the words "liberties" and "freedom" as shields to hide your truly selfish desires to basically do what you want."

I think you have it exactly backwards. The TSA supporters are the selfish ones who want themselves protected even if it requires abusing the rights of other people.

Freedom does have a price - allowing people to be free creates risk that someone will do something bad. I'm willing to take that risk rather than live in a police state where I can't do anything without getting the governments permission first.

"I agree with TSA measures, but Anonymous makes a great point. Lines cannot be too long or a target is presented."

Yet, there's been no issue. Hmm.

"They obviously can't be asked to screen faster without the cost of efficiency, they should increase staffing."

"Obviously" can't be asked to screen faster? Typically, less than 50% of the uniformed TSA "work" force is sceening when I go through security, so it's not at all obvious to me. The solution to long lines is to become more bloated and less efficient? There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.

I would just like to remind everyone that the 4th Amendment to our Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. These screenings are happening for a reason.Also, thank you to all veterans who have served, much of the public greatly admires you.I will not say that the screenings are not intrusive, because they are. I will comment that by asking for the liberties that you say have been taken away, you are asking for the liberty to bring a bomb or chemical weapon on board a plane and kill not only foreign visitors but your own fellow American civilians.